Your questions answered

I understand that starting counselling can feel like a big step. Here are some of the most common questions people ask before beginning their journey with me. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help.

How do I know if I need counselling or psychotherapy?

I don’t offer psychotherapy. Both counselling and psychotherapy offer a space to explore your thoughts and emotions but they differ in depth, focus, and intention. Psychotherapy asks you to navigate your past experiences with might have led to deeply entrenched behaviours. It is also led more by the therapist. Counselling on the other hand offers you therapeutic space to explore your life and experience as you see fit. My counselling style is based on talking therapy with an emotional focus because I believe that most issues that we perceive in the present are caused by how we handle emotional feelings, and that is prescribed by the attachment style we develop as children and bring that into our adulthood. That combination often causes stress and anxiety as we grapple with the conflict between who we are and how we behave. This happens at a deeper level within ourselves that counselling tries to uncover. Counselling requires work by you as the client to be as open as possible. Only you have the answers to the problems you face and counselling attempts to get round the blocks in that appraisal process and to help you unlock a way of being that is not held back or stifled.

What issues can counselling help with?

You might feel drawn to counselling if:

What issues can you help with?

Being a fully qualified professional counsellor means that I work within an ethical framework so I can offer a safe space for my clients. This means I can offer issue-focussed counselling that concerns moderate emotional challenges such as stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, bereavement and loss, and life transitions. I could offer a full list but as long as your presenting issues sounds like a match I can offer counselling to you. I offer a free 20-minute initial assessment, the purpose of which is partly for this reason.

What happens in a typical counselling session?

First and foremost, there is no such thing as a typical session. Everybody’s story is different one week to the next. As your focus shifts so will your priorities and what you want to talk about. All sessions are 50 minutes in length, which is a good amount of time to explore what is troubling you but too much that we might become overwhelmed. The first session is really a follow-on from the initial assessment and serves as a confirmation that we want to work together in the long term. It gives us both a chance to see how we bond and how you react to my style of counselling. This is important because every therapist’s approach is unique, just like the client’s experience. We will talk about progress about every 6 sessions. You can stop or pause counselling at any time.

Do you offer reduced rates or concessions?

I offer sliding fee scales if needed, where the fee is adjusted based on your income or financial situation. I may ask for proof of income or benefits, and the agreement will be reviewed every 3 months.

I am also able to offer a temporary reduction during life crises such as redundancy, reassessed after a few sessions.

I also offer a reduced rates students, trainees, and NHS staff. All claims must be qualified by letter from a school, college or proof of employment.

Is there a cancellation policy or fee for cancellation?

If you cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of the session starting, it is likely I will still invoice for the session unless due to an exceptional circumstance that means you could not attend the session. Each circumstance will be considered uniquely. I don’t charge any fee for sessions rescheduled or charged outside the 24 hour period before the session.

Can I pay per session or in blocks?

Yes, either is fine. I don’t offer a discount for multiple sessions booked at the same time.

How often should I attend counselling?

It is up to you based on cost, how stable you feel about the presenting issue, and your availability. Most clients attend sessions once per week because this offers a good amount of time to process what has been spoken about the week before and to prepare for the next session. Weekly sessions also offer continuity and momentum.

I would only recommend monthly sessions for clients post therapy who wish to engage in further knowledge about themselves. I offer growth counselling in this case. Ad hoc sessions are only recommended for clients that need to speak about an unpredictable issue.

I am autistic – do you offer shorter sessions if I struggle with longer ones?

Yes, I offer flexible sessions if you autistic, and I offer 30-minute sessions. This gives you complete flexibility over your session-length so you get the most out of the session.

Can I sit on the floor?

Yes, I have bean bags or if you prefer we can conduct the session directly on the floor.

Can I do sessions online or by phone?

Yes, I offer in-person, online with video via Google Meet, or telephone sessions. We will speak about which mode of counselling would best suit you during the initial assessment.

Do I have to have video on during an online session?

Ideally because it is much harder to conduct a session if I cannot see you. If this is an issue for you, please bring it to my attention during the free initial assessment.

What happens if I miss a session?

I will send you a text message to confirm you are safe, otherwise you will receive an email asking if you would like to book another session. If you cancel within 24 hours of the session, there may be a charge.

Is everything I say confidential?

Professional counselling establishes a firm premise that client confidentiality is paramount. Of course this has legal exceptions that I am obligated to tell you about by Law. These will be advised before our first counselling session.

What if I feel unsafe or overwhelmed during a session?

You can bring that to my attention as soon as you can. I will immediately slow the pace and invite your to grounding techniques such as breathing or sensory awareness. I may also shift the focus away from what we are talking about to the present moment. I will monitor you and when you feel safe to continue we can, or we might close the session prematurely. Your physical and psychological safety is paramount.

What qualifications do you have?

I am fully qualified professional counsellor which means I have undergone at least 300 hours of classroom training, 100 hours of counselling in placement. These have led to a Level 4 Diploma. I am also studying to become a qualified Positive Psychology Practitioner. The training of a counsellor never stops however. I am committed to constant and consistent learning based on my ongoing needs to best support my clients. I am also an Emotionally-Focused Therapist (EFT).

How do I book my first session?

I ask all clients to book a free 20-minute initial assessment, after which I will ask if you would like to continue to counselling sessions. If so, I will book the first session in line with our mutual availability.

What should I expect in the first counselling session?

At the beginning of the first session I will confirm your understanding of a few central premises like confidentiality and time keeping. By the end of the first session you should have a good idea whether I am the right counsellor for you. At the end of the session, I will ask if you would like to engage regularly in counselling.

Can I speak to someone before committing to therapy?

Yes, you can reach out to me at any time by telephone, email or WhatsApp and if I am not immediately available I will get back to you as soon as I can.

What if I’ve had a bad experience with counselling before?

It’s completely understandable to feel hesitant after a difficult experience with therapy. Counselling is a vulnerable process, and when it doesn’t feel safe, attuned, or helpful, it can leave lasting emotional echoes. I honour that history. If you’ve felt unheard, misunderstood, or even harmed in a previous therapeutic space, I invite you to bring that into the room — gently, and at your own pace. You won’t be judged or rushed. You have complete control over how you would like your therapy to be.

Can I have the same session time every week?

Absolutely! In fact I welcome that because a consistent weekly slot helps create rhythm, reliability, and emotional safety, especially when life feels unpredictable. If your schedule changes or you need flexibility, I’ll do my best to accommodate. But your regular slot is yours for as long as you need it.

Where can I park?

There is free residential street parking either in Richmond Avenue or adjacent streets. My office is also served by these bus services: 2, 7, 8 and 21A.

Do you offer home visits?

Yes, if you cannot attend my office in person or online video sessions, I can usually accommodate home visits within a 7 mile radius of SS3 postcode. This covers, Rochford, Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff, Southchurch and Wakering areas. My office has two flights of stairs so is not suitable for accessible clients with walking difficulties. You might also be agoraphobic or have social anxiety, which are other reasons I could accommodate a home visit.

If you have any questions that are not addressed on this page, please reach out via the Contact Me page.